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Engine Masters Compares Cast-Iron Manifolds To Mid-Length And Long-Tube Headers: Video

On a previous episode of Engine Masters, we watched David Freiburger (of Roadkill fame) and his crew run a comparison test between differently sized headers of the same long-tube variety. This time, however, the comparison will be between long-tube headers, mid-length headers, and log-style cast-iron headers – all of which are supplied by Holley Performance.

The engine being used to conduct this experiment is a 6.0L BluePrint small block crate engine. The engine is controlled by the Holley HPEFI management system, and it’s the first multi-point injected engine to be shown on Engine Masters. It’s also got a few goodies, including aluminum heads, forged pistons, a Comp Cams roller cam and FAST throttle body. Steven Rupp of Super Chevy (part of The Enthusiast Network) was generous enough to loan this beast of an engine to the Masters for this video experiment.

It’s pretty much a given that the long-tube headers will net the highest peak-power rating, but the purpose of this test is to find out just how much of a difference there is between the different style headers.

Below you’ll see just how much power the engine made with each setup:

  • Log-style, cast-iron manifolds : 474.2 hp @ 5,700 rpm / 453.2 lb-ft of torque @ 5,400 rpm
  • Mid-length headers :                   488.2 hp @ 5,700 rpm / 464.3 lb-ft of torque @ 5,400 rpm
  • Long-tube headers :                     494.5 hp @ 5,700 rpm / 474.3 lb-ft of torque @ 5,400 rpm

The benefits to having these results is knowing (or at least having an idea) of what sort of compromise you might be making when completing your own build. For instance, if your goal is to spend as little as possible, then this lets you know that the money your saving by going with a shorty header over a long-tube setup is only costing you about 20 horsepower and 21 lb-ft of torque.

Hit play to see the video in its entirety, then give us your take on it in the comment section below.

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Comments

  1. It is not so much money as the prices are so close. The reality is ground clearance. Many of today’s cars can not use long tube headers as they hit the ground in daily driving. Anyone with a Mustang or Camaro can attest to this in many applications of large long headers.

    Shorties are great on the street as they often replace the manifold with no problem and no scrapping on the pavement.

    Now at the track long headers are not an issue on track cars as they have no real world obstacles there other than trailer ramps.

    Too often people buy larger than they need.

    Reply
    1. Good point, Scott!

      Reply

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